Forest worker

You would carry out practical tasks in forests and woodlands to help care for and protect the environment. You’d plant, prune, and fell trees. You’d also protect trees from pests and disease.

You’d need to be safety-conscious, responsible and have a good head for heights.

You would:

• Mark and measure trees to be cut down
• Prepare the ground for planting by clearing undergrowth
• Plant new tree seedlings
• Dig out or install drainage systems
• Trim and cut back shrubs and other ground cover to promote the healthy growth of trees
• Use specialist tools to thin out densely wooded areas
• Harvest trees, strip branches and cut felled tree trunks into specific lengths
• Protect the forest against insect pests and disease, particularly young trees
• Clear footpaths and nature trails, and maintain adjoining car parks

To keep recreational sites and woodland areas fit for public use, you may also put up fences, gates, footpath signs and public information notices.

You may be responsible for checking and maintaining basic fire-fighting equipment located near wooded areas, and you may help to tackle forest fires.